Clarke withdrew from the WGC American Express Championship

The Ulsterman was due to be in America this week but changed his plans in order to be closer to wife Heather.

Instead, he is playing in the Madrid Open, where he is joint second after a second-round 67.

Clarke said: "If Heather was ill or up and down, I might have to withdraw. I would only want to be playing if I was a benefit to the team."

Clarke has already taken two two-month breaks from the game this year and has played one of the first six events for Europe's Ryder Cup team.

However, he can leap up the Ryder Cup standings by taking his first title of the year on Sunday.